Cineraria

The genus Cineraria includes herbaceous perennials or semi-shrubs grown in the open ground as annuals, and indoors as beautiful flowering potted species. Especially interesting is the species Cineraria cruenta, a semi-hardy perennial plant bred as an annual or biennial. It has oval dark green leaves with a serrated edge; simple inflorescences (baskets) are collected in a large complex inflorescence-shield. In the open air, the flowering period falls on the end of spring. By hybridizing it with other species, many varieties and hybrid forms have been obtained, also known collectively as Cineraria hybrida hort. They are distinguished depending on the shape and size of inflorescences-baskets (simple chamomile, terry, semi-double, stellate), their number, size of plants. Simple baskets consist of reed flowers (the outer flowers of the basket look like petals), multi-colored or with tonal transitions (light at the point of attachment and more saturated at the ends). The color is very diverse: white, pink, red (various shades), cream, blue and blue, purple, purple, lilac, etc. Compact low large-flowered forms are especially appreciated.

The genus Cineraria includes herbaceous perennials or semi-shrubs grown in the open ground as annuals, and indoors as beautiful flowering potted species.

Especially interesting is the species Cineraria cruenta, a semi-hardy perennial plant bred as an annual or biennial. It has oval dark green leaves with a serrated edge; simple inflorescences (baskets) are collected in a large complex inflorescence-shield. In the open air, the flowering period falls on the end of spring. By hybridizing it with other species, many varieties and hybrid forms have been obtained, also known collectively as Cineraria hybrida hort. They are distinguished depending on the shape and size of inflorescences-baskets (simple chamomile, terry, semi-double, stellate), their number, size of plants. Simple baskets consist of reed flowers (the outer flowers of the basket look like petals), multi-colored or with tonal transitions (light at the point of attachment and more saturated at the ends). The color is very diverse: white, pink, red (various shades), cream, blue and blue, purple, purple, lilac, etc. Compact low large-flowered forms are especially appreciated.

Cultivation

They are used mainly in garden beds, for cutting, and also as decorative houseplants. For growing in a flower bed or garden, slightly acidic or neutral (pH 6) soil is desirable, and for indoor specimens in pots, use ordinary potted plant soil. Good soil nutrition is required: in spring, organic or complex mineral fertilizers with trace elements are applied every 20 days at the rate of 40-60 g /m2. During the period of budding and flowering, top dressing is carried out once a week. If the autumn temperature is kept at 10-12 °C for 6 weeks, this may delay the beginning of flowering in relation to the natural period for a different time.

They are used mainly in garden beds, for cutting, and also as decorative houseplants. For growing in a flower bed or garden, slightly acidic or neutral (pH 6) soil is desirable, and for indoor specimens in pots, use ordinary potted plant soil.

Good soil nutrition is required: in spring, organic or complex mineral fertilizers with trace elements are applied every 20 days at the rate of 40-60 g /m2. During the period of budding and flowering, top dressing is carried out once a week. If the autumn temperature is kept at 10-12 °C for 6 weeks, this may delay the beginning of flowering in relation to the natural period for a different time.

Location

Cineraria likes semi-shaded areas. Open sun promotes rapid wilting of inflorescences.

Temperature

The ideal temperature is approximately 12-14 °C. When growing at home, the temperature should not significantly exceed the one indicated above - only then can you wait for a long flowering period.

Watering

Water carefully "under the root", avoiding water on inflorescences and leaves, especially if the air movement is insignificant.

Transplant

They are usually grown as annuals. To make the flowers last longer, in the spring and summer period, cineraria is transplanted into a new pot filled with peat soil with pine needles and turf, a full long-acting mineral fertilizer is added (30 g per bucket of water), and then fed with water-soluble compost (10 g per bucket) every week.

Reproduction

Propagate by seed. Sowing can be carried out at various times (from July to November) to produce flowering plants from December to April. At a temperature of 20-22 °C, the seeds germinate in 10-12 days. Use a good seed soil, purchased or prepared independently with the addition of organic fertilizer. After the appearance of the second leaf, the seedlings are transplanted into 8-cm pots (later replaced with larger diameter pots).

Diseases

If water gets on the leaves or baskets during watering, gray rot of vegetable crops (Botrytis cinerea) can develop. This disease manifests itself in the form of a profuse spread of gray moldy patina. They get rid of it by treating it with preparations against gray rot, and in extreme cases, the affected plants are removed. The appearance of light brown spots with a darker border on the leaves is the result of the activity of alternaria (Altemaria). There is also rust (orange pustules) and oidium. In such cases, treatment with fungicides is carried out. Phytophthora infestans causes rotting root neck. This disease is eliminated with the help of fungicides. With verticular wilting (the causative agent is Verticillium albo-atrum), the conducting vessels become clogged, which leads to rapid wilting. You can prevent it if you use sterilized land for planting. Do not underestimate the damage that aphids, whiteflies and butterflies often cause; pests are quickly disposed of with insecticides.

Acquisition

These plants can be purchased in flower shops and gardening centers. It is recommended to see if there are any signs of diseases, pests, leaf chlorosis, or wilting baskets.